The Friends of Valley Railroad are “dedicated to the awareness, appreciation, and historic preservation of railroads through education and participation, primarily focusing on the original Connecticut Valley Railroad and its successor companies from 1871 to the present day.” In particular, their efforts support the Connect Valley Railroad Company’s historic Essex Steam Train and Riverboat at the Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park. The Friends support the renovation of historic engines and passenger cars. The organization hosts events throughout the year to educate the public and to raise funds in support of their goals. Current projects include the renovation of the Landon Lumber Caboose, track restoration, and equipment maintenance. The Friends also maintain the grounds of the Goodspeed Yard Office.
Friends of Valley Railroad
- 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT 06426
- Friends of American Legion & Peoples State Forest
- Friends of Auerfarm Scenic Reserve
- Friends of Beckley Furnace State Park
- Connecticut Forest & Park Association
- Friends of Chatfield Hollow State Park
- Friends of Dinosaur State Park & Arboretum
- Friends of Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
- Friends of Fort Trumbull State Park
- Friends of Gillette Castle State Park
- Friends of Goodwin Forest
- Groton Open Space Association
- Friends of Hammonasset Beach State Park
- Friends of Harkness Memorial State Park
- Friends of Heublien Tower
- Friends of Mansfield Hollow State Park
- Friends of Mono Pond State Park
- Friends of Pachaug State Forest
- Friends and Neighbors of Putnam Memorial State Park
- Friends of Seaside State Park
- Friends of Sessions Woods WMA
- Friends of Sherwood Island State Park
- Sleeping Giant Park Association
- Caretakers of Soapstone
- Friends of Sunrise-Machimoodus State Parks
- Friends of Topsmead State Forest
- Friends of Valley Railroad
- West Rock Ridge Park Association
- Windsor Locks Canal Trail Friends